Situated on the lower corner of the meadow below Totnes Castle, this site is a piece of paradise tucked away in the centre of Totnes. Castle Meadow has 18 tenants, although lots more are involved as most come with partners and helpers in tow! On this site we currently have 3 full plots, 11 half plots and 4 quarter plots.
The First Allotments at Castle Meadow
In early 2008 the first allotments were allocated on a small strip of a meadow belonging to the Town Council. The meadow was below Totnes Castle and had been given to the town by Leonard Elmhirst of Dartington on the understanding that it would never be built on. For years it had been used for grazing.
There were 14 tenants in the beginning, some on full and some on half plots, though now there has been further sub-division. All tenants must live within half a kilometre of the site due to lack of car parking space. As the Castle Meadow tenants, this community has come together to create a vibrant and productive space. Although each tenant decides what to grow and how to manage their own plot, people often informally share tips and ideas.. All the tenants work together to keep the boundaries and hedges tidy, and occasionally may organise a get together, a work party, or an open day when visitors are welcomed to come and see what is going on.